Articles from Radio-Canada

The article highlights the productivity challenge facing Canada, which lags behind other countries. It mentions ideas proposed by the Bank of Canada to improve productivity, such as saving 5 work hours per month per small business. Automation and AI in companies like Dr.'s Choice Optical and others have helped increase output significantly. However, there are still barriers, including investment and regulatory challenges, that hinder productivity growth.

The Quebec government is investing half a billion dollars in Innergex, a renewable energy company, to support Hydro-Québec's growth plan. This is the largest single investment made by the Legault government. The investment ensures Innergex remains in Québécois hands, aiding Hydro-Québec in achieving its renewable energy goals and enhancing the province's energy sovereignty. The move is seen as a strategic effort to secure and support local critical infrastructure in renewable energies.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the extension of Highway A-73 in Saint-Georges, Quebec, which is opposed by local farmers and landowners. These stakeholders are concerned about the negative impact on agricultural lands and forests, as the proposed highway will split their properties. They have suggested alternative routes, which were not accepted by the Ministry of Transport. Upcoming meetings are planned to address the grievances and find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

The Italian government has approved the construction of the Messina Bridge, intended to connect Sicily with mainland Italy. The project, estimated to cost $21.6 billion CAD and scheduled for completion by 2032, faces significant opposition due to financial, environmental, and political concerns. While proponents view it as a strategic asset for NATO and a potential economic boost, critics argue that the funds would be better spent on existing infrastructure. The project also presents significant engineering challenges due to the region's seismic activity.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced up to $1.2 billion to support the country's lumber industry in response to increased U.S. anti-dumping tariffs. The package includes $700 million in loan guarantees and $500 million in grants to boost product development and market diversification. Additionally, Canada plans to double the use of Canadian lumber in residential construction through the Maisons Canada program, aiming to build 500,000 new homes yearly. This decision follows the U.S. Commerce Department's increase in anti-dumping duties to 20.56% on Canadian wood, which has been criticized as unfair and punitive.

A 31-year-old female construction worker died after falling from a ladder during work on the roof of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges school in Montreal. The police and CNESST are conducting a joint investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident. This incident follows another serious workplace accident in the Montreal area, where a 21-year-old worker was killed by machinery. These accidents highlight ongoing safety concerns in local construction sites.

During the construction holiday in Quebec, there was a significant increase in road fatalities, with 38 deaths reported in 30 collisions, more than double from the previous year. Factors such as human error, speeding, and distracted driving contributed to these accidents. The Sûreté du Québec has noted a high number of single-vehicle crashes and infractions for safety belt violations. Additionally, motorcyclists were heavily impacted, with 14 fatalities involving motorcycles.

Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, recanted his initial statement about the province issuing work permits, emphasizing a need for greater immigration authority. Ford's comments followed frustration over long wait times for asylum seekers to receive permits, though federal data suggests shorter processing times. The federal agency clarified that claims can commence to acquire work permits shortly after necessary conditions like medical exams are fulfilled.

Nearly 200,000 construction workers in Quebec are on a two-week vacation, with many opting not to travel to the U.S. due to political tensions under President Trump. This period has reduced construction activities, although a recent labor agreement promises significant wage increases. The Alliance syndicale de la construction and the APCHQ's new agreement could raise wages by up to 24.35% over four years, potentially impacting housing costs. Despite this, there was a slight decline in new housing starts due partially to a previous strike in the residential sector.

The article discusses the growing popularity of eco-friendly homes in Canada, which cost 4-6% more to build than standard homes but offer longer lifespans and reduced energy expenses. Key features include enhanced insulation, durable materials, and strategically oriented windows for heat conservation. Some homeowners, like Claudette Sauvé and Denis Turcotte, find the investment worthwhile due to significant energy savings, while others may find the costs prohibitive. The article highlights the need for more sustainable construction practices as the housing market expands.

Recently, sorting centers in Quebec have incinerated thousands of tons of plastic instead of recycling them, due to the lack of recycling opportunities for certain types of plastics. Notably, 17% of the plastic collected in 2023 was burned for energy production, a practice criticized by environmentalists for its impact on sustainability. This situation highlights the challenge of managing plastic waste, as only 20% of plastics placed in recycling bins are truly recycled. Meanwhile, more plastics are being exported out of Quebec for recycling, adding to concerns about the transparency and traceability of these processes.

During a public consultation in Edmonton about Alberta's future within Canada, Premier Danielle Smith faced criticism from attendees. Proposals discussed included creating a provincial police force, establishing an individual pension fund, and controlling immigration independent of federal regulations. Concerns were raised about the potential risks and effectiveness of these proposals, along with opposition to creating divisions by questioning the role of immigrants in Alberta's economy.